Authors (including presenting author) :
So KF(1), Tsang LF(1), Karn KY(1), Ching HC(2), Pang CK(3), Lee CC(4), Tam PF(5), Wong SY(3), Tang SK(1), Leung LM(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Nursing Services Division, United Christian Hospital, (2) Infection Control Team, United Christian Hospital, (3) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, (4) Department of Oncology, United Christian Hospital, (5) Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) are indicated for intermediate to long-term intravenous (IV) access for the administration of fluids, antibiotics, analgesics, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy or blood products. They are increasingly used in both clinical and community settings. A growing number of requests for assistance from nursing colleagues in general wards to haematology and oncology nurses is observed due to a lack of confidence and competency in PICC care. Discrepancies in dressing techniques, clinical practices, and documentation have been identified across different departments and clinical settings, highlighting the need for standardized practices across the hospital. This project aimed to standardize PICC care practices and improve nurses’ confidence and competency in managing PICCs, ensuring consistent and high-quality care across the hospital.
Objectives :
To align the practice of PICC care and enhance nurses’ competencies in managing patients with PICCs.
Methodology :
A workgroup comprising nurses from different departments was established to address these challenges in Jan 2024. The workgroup members conducted an evidence-based review to guide best practices and developed standardized tools, including:
- A nursing care report template for comprehensive documentation.
- A standardized dressing and removal procedure.
- An observation record form to ensure continuity of care, which accompanies patients upon discharge for seamless communication between hospital and community care providers.
Additionally, a dedicated website was created to centralize all PICC care information, providing nurses with convenient access to resources for ongoing education and support. The finalized documents were endorsed at the Nursing Committee meeting in July 2024 and are now ready for hospital-wide implementation.
Result & Outcome :
The implementation of standardized tools and the website has successfully aligned PICC care practices across the hospital. Nurses reported increased confidence and competency in PICC management, and previously noted discrepancies in dressing techniques and documentation were resolved. This initiative has improved the consistency and quality of patient care, fostering better outcomes and continuity between hospital and community settings. Looking ahead, a hospital-wide competency assessment form will be developed to further ensure and evaluate nurses’ proficiency in PICC care.
